Breast Implants and Augmentation

If you are considering breast augmentation surgery, you probably have some questions. Fortunately, here at Gabay & Gottlieb Cosmetic Surgery Center, we have answers, thanks to the expertise that comes from the countless successful operations we’ve performed in the past.

Here are some of the questions people ask most often:

Q. Am I a candidate?

A: This is an important question to ask because until you know the answer, there’s not much point in asking any other questions.

First, there are age restrictions to consider:

Saline implants: Must be 18 years of age or older

Silicone implants: Must be 22 years of age or older

The typical candidate for breast augmentation is a woman in good overall health, meaning no serious illnesses and preferably no habits of alcohol or tobacco use.

You should also be in the right frame of mind going into the surgery, with realistic expectations and an understanding that the surgery can permanently alter some aspects of your appearance. The ideal candidate wants to boost their confidence by improving the shape and appearance of their breasts. Don’t commit to getting surgery under pressure from another person.

To know for sure whether you’re a candidate, consult with one of our surgeons.

Q. How long will I be out of work?

A: Although you’ll probably be physically able to return to work within about four days of surgery, we recommend waiting a full week. You’ll still be recovering from the effects of anesthesia, so you won’t have your full energy back for a few days. You should take more time off from work if your job entails heavy lifting or other strenuous activity.

Q. When can I return to the gym?

A: You can resume cardio workouts, such as using a treadmill, after two weeks. In another two weeks, you may get back to any part of your normal exercise regimen except heavy lifting. Wait another two weeks for that, and always check with your surgeon to make sure you’re safe to resuming any of these activities.

Q. What kind of pain can I expect after surgery?

A: Any after-effects of surgery will be at their worst in the three days after your procedure. As your skin adjusts to the implants, you may feel a tightness. You may lose some of the feeling in your breasts, especially in the nipple area, and some swelling and mild bruising are also possible but will go away over the following weeks.

Q. What scars will result from the procedure?

A: Scars after the procedure are inevitable but are not usually permanent. The location of your scars will depend on the locations of the incisions and other details of your surgery. The scars will be most noticeable in the months immediately following the surgery, looking like raised areas of skin that typically flatten fully within 18 months.

Q. What implant is offered for augmentation?

A: We offer a range of sizes of saline and silicone gel implants from Mentor.

Q. Do I still get mammograms?

A: Yes. Regular screenings are still recommended. You should inform the radiologist that you have implants when you make your screening appointment. The screening may take longer than it would for someone without implants because implants may obstruct parts of the standard mammogram view, meaning more images have to be taken to get the full picture.

Q. Can I breast feed?

A: The answer depends, first of all, on which type of implants you have. Saline water from saline implants is harmless if it mixes with breast milk, but there is no clear consensus on whether silicone implants impact breastfeeding. It may be impossible to breastfeed after surgery depending on the location of the incisions, as some may damage milk ducts, glands, or nerves.